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Alaska Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Manicurist with Advanced Endorsement

Optional advanced manicurist endorsement to a current or approved manicuring or hairdressing license. Examination and waiver routes are distinct applicant pathways.

Licensing authority: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers · Application information

Add endorsement to existing license by examination
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Administration
The application directs approved candidates to Prov to schedule and pay for the written examination.
Applicant
Already holds a current Alaska manicuring license and does not hold a current advanced manicuring or nail technician license from another licensing jurisdiction.
Application
Submit the completed application and applicable licensing fees.
Base License
Hold, or be approved for, a current Alaska manicuring or hairdressing license.
Fitness
Disclose professional fitness matters and provide the supporting explanations and records requested by the application.
Passing Score
12 AAC 09.066(b) requires at least 75 percent.
Social Security Number
Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or the division exemption form; the application states the exemption form is required if the applicant has no number.
Training
Verify 250 hours of advanced manicuring training in a school approved by the Board or another licensing jurisdiction.
Add endorsement to existing license by waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Alaska License
Hold a current Alaska manicuring license.
Application
Submit the completed application and applicable licensing fees.
Existing License
Hold a current manicuring license from another licensing jurisdiction and submit official verification directly from that jurisdiction.
Fitness
Disclose professional fitness matters and provide the supporting explanations and records requested by the application.
Lower Ranked Demand
The Board application says: 3. VERIFICATION OF TRAINING, EXAMINATION AND LICENSURE A completed Verification of Training, Examination and Licensure form (#08-4433b) sent directly from the state board where you are currently licensed. Please note that your out-of-state license must be current when your Alaska license is issued. A copy of your license is not acceptable. You must have passed a state written examination in another state where you have been licensed or are currently licensed. If you did not pass a written examination, it will be necessary for you to do so in Alaska before receiving your license. An individual who has less than 250 hours of training will be required to attend school to obtain the additional hours required. Work experience does not count toward training. AS 08.13.100(d) entitles a qualifying holder to an endorsement without a new examination or training period in Alaska; the applicant must still prove the minimum training and testing.
Other License
Hold a current advanced manicuring or nail technician license from another licensing jurisdiction which required at least 250 hours of training and a written examination.
Prior Testing
Verify that the other licensing jurisdiction required a written examination for the license; no exact currently offered national examination is named for that prior testing.
Social Security Number
Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or the division exemption form; the application states the exemption form is required if the applicant has no number.
Training
Verify training equivalent to the 250-hour curriculum in 12 AAC 09.148. Work experience does not replace missing training hours under the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Disciplinary restoration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Assessment
The controlling provision requires the Board determination, not an identified professional examination.
Board Determination
After a hearing, the Board must find that the applicant can practice the profession with skill and safety.
Prior License
Previously held this license; it was suspended or revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial advanced endorsement by examination
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Administration
The application directs approved candidates to Prov to schedule and pay for the written examination.
Application
Submit the completed application and applicable licensing fees.
Base License
Hold, or be approved for, a current Alaska manicuring or hairdressing license.
Fitness
Disclose professional fitness matters and provide the supporting explanations and records requested by the application.
Passing Score
12 AAC 09.066(b) requires at least 75 percent.
Social Security Number
Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or the division exemption form; the application states the exemption form is required if the applicant has no number.
Training
Verify 250 hours of advanced manicuring training in a school approved by the Board or another licensing jurisdiction.
Advanced endorsement by waiver of examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application and applicable licensing fees.
Existing License
Hold a current manicuring license from another licensing jurisdiction and submit official verification directly from that jurisdiction.
Fitness
Disclose professional fitness matters and provide the supporting explanations and records requested by the application.
Lower Ranked Demand
The Board application says: 3. VERIFICATION OF TRAINING, EXAMINATION AND LICENSURE A completed Verification of Training, Examination and Licensure form (#08-4433b) sent directly from the state board where you are currently licensed. Please note that your out-of-state license must be current when your Alaska license is issued. A copy of your license is not acceptable. You must have passed a state written examination in another state where you have been licensed or are currently licensed. If you did not pass a written examination, it will be necessary for you to do so in Alaska before receiving your license. An individual who has less than 250 hours of training will be required to attend school to obtain the additional hours required. Work experience does not count toward training. AS 08.13.100(d) entitles a qualifying holder to an endorsement without a new examination or training period in Alaska; the applicant must still prove the minimum training and testing.
Prior Testing
Verify that the other licensing jurisdiction required a written examination for the license; no exact currently offered national examination is named for that prior testing.
Social Security Number
Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or the division exemption form; the application states the exemption form is required if the applicant has no number.
Training
Verify training equivalent to the 250-hour curriculum in 12 AAC 09.148. Work experience does not replace missing training hours under the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement lapsed more than three years
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Examination
12 AAC 09.930(b)(3) requires passing the written examination for the credential sought, identified for advanced manicuring by 12 AAC 09.066 as the NIC Nail Technology Examination.
Fees
Pay applicable renewal and delinquent fees.
Lapse
More than three years; reinstatement is subject to AS 08.13.140 and Board discretion.
Prior License
Submit the application and documents showing previous Alaska licensure.
Reinstatement lapsed not more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed application and all applicable renewal and delinquent fees for the lapse period under AS 08.13.140 and 12 AAC 09.930(a).
Lapse
Not more than three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal form, fee and Social Security Number or applicable exemption documentation.
Existing License
Renew the existing license before its expiration; the license lapses if not renewed.
Military Relief
AS 08.01.100(g) exempts qualifying good-standing military licensees deployed in a combat zone, danger pay post or qualified hazardous duty area from maintenance requirements during deployment and for 180 days after returning, subject to its restriction on private for-profit practice.
Professional Law
For practitioners and instructors the renewal form requires certification that the licensee reviewed, understands and will comply with AS 08.13 and 12 AAC 09.
School Authorization
Not applicable to this license type.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return after surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Assessment
The controlling provision requires the Board determination, not an identified professional examination.
Board Determination
The Board must determine competence to resume practice and the applicant must pay the appropriate renewal fee.
Prior License
Previously voluntarily surrendered this license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Advanced Manicurist Instructor License

Advanced manicuring instructor qualification under 12 AAC 09.106(f), including nail and instructor examination passing evidence.

Licensing authority: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers · Application information

Disciplinary restoration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Assessment
The controlling provision requires the Board determination, not an identified professional examination.
Board Determination
After a hearing, the Board must find that the applicant can practice the profession with skill and safety.
Prior License
Previously held this license; it was suspended or revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Advanced instructor qualification
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the completed application and applicable licensing fees.
Experience
Verify one year of manicuring or hairdressing work experience, at least 32 hours per week.
Fitness
Disclose professional fitness matters and provide the supporting explanations and records requested by the application.
Instructor Examination
12 AAC 09.106(f)(2)(B) requires proof of passing the instructor written examination; 12 AAC 09.070 identifies the NIC National Teachers Test, and the current Board-hosted Prov bulletin offers Instructor Theory for all disciplines. It is currently offered but absent from the supplied nationwide versions.
Nail Passing Evidence
12 AAC 09.106(f)(2)(A) requires proof of passing the advanced manicurist written examination, identified by 12 AAC 09.066 as NIC Nail Technology. Passing before application still belongs to this route.
Scope Of Instruction
12 AAC 09.106(b) limits instruction to fields in which the instructor holds a valid Alaska practitioner license.
Social Security Number
Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or the division exemption form; the application states the exemption form is required if the applicant has no number.
Reinstatement lapsed not more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed application and all applicable renewal and delinquent fees for the lapse period under AS 08.13.140 and 12 AAC 09.930(a).
Lapse
Not more than three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal form, fee and Social Security Number or applicable exemption documentation.
Existing License
Renew the existing license before its expiration; the license lapses if not renewed.
Military Relief
AS 08.01.100(g) exempts qualifying good-standing military licensees deployed in a combat zone, danger pay post or qualified hazardous duty area from maintenance requirements during deployment and for 180 days after returning, subject to its restriction on private for-profit practice.
Professional Law
For practitioners and instructors the renewal form requires certification that the licensee reviewed, understands and will comply with AS 08.13 and 12 AAC 09.
School Authorization
Not applicable to this license type.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return after surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Assessment
The controlling provision requires the Board determination, not an identified professional examination.
Board Determination
The Board must determine competence to resume practice and the applicant must pay the appropriate renewal fee.
Prior License
Previously voluntarily surrendered this license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Advanced instructor by existing instructor license
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Application
Submit the completed application and applicable licensing fees.
Existing License
Verify a current manicuring instructor license from another licensing jurisdiction meeting or exceeding Alaska licensing standards, and its required written examination.
Experience
Verify one year of manicuring or hairdressing work experience, at least 32 hours per week.
Fitness
Disclose professional fitness matters and provide the supporting explanations and records requested by the application.
Instructor Examination
12 AAC 09.106(f)(2)(B) requires proof of passing the instructor written examination; 12 AAC 09.070 identifies the NIC National Teachers Test, and the current Board-hosted Prov bulletin offers Instructor Theory for all disciplines. It is currently offered but absent from the supplied nationwide versions.
Nail Passing Evidence
12 AAC 09.106(f)(2)(A) requires proof of passing the advanced manicurist written examination, identified by 12 AAC 09.066 as NIC Nail Technology. Passing before application still belongs to this route.
Scope Of Instruction
12 AAC 09.106(b) limits instruction to fields in which the instructor holds a valid Alaska practitioner license.
Social Security Number
Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or the division exemption form; the application states the exemption form is required if the applicant has no number.
Waiver
AS 08.13.100(d) and 12 AAC 09.106(d) allow qualifying existing licensees to avoid a new examination in Alaska; 12 AAC 09.106(f) nevertheless requires proof of passing both named examinations for the advanced instructor qualification. The passing-evidence requirements are retained even where no new sitting is needed.

Temporary License to Practice Advanced Manicuring

One nonrenewable 120-day supervised license for an applicant qualified and applying for the advanced examination. Passing is not required before temporary issuance.

Licensing authority: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers · Application information

Temporary supervised advanced practice
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Administration
The application directs approved candidates to Prov to schedule and pay for the written examination.
Application
Submit the completed application and applicable licensing fees.
Base License
Hold, or be approved for, a current Alaska manicuring or hairdressing license.
Duration
120 days, nonrenewable, no more than one temporary license for this area of practice.
Eligibility
Have applied and be qualified to take the advanced manicuring examination.
Fitness
Disclose professional fitness matters and provide the supporting explanations and records requested by the application.
Passing Score
12 AAC 09.066(b) requires at least 75 percent.
Social Security Number
Provide a U.S. Social Security Number or the division exemption form; the application states the exemption form is required if the applicant has no number.
Supervision
Work under direct supervision and within the physical presence of a practitioner licensed in the same area. The supervising licensee signs the application.
Timing
The examination is involved through the pending examination application. Passing is not required before issuance of this temporary license.
Training
Verify 250 hours of advanced manicuring training in a school approved by the Board or another licensing jurisdiction.

National Nail Technology Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • I. Scientific Concepts - Infection Control and Safety Practices (15%) (15%)
    • A. Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • B. Recognize and utilize infection control principles — 1. Levels of infection control
    • B. Recognize and utilize infection control principles — 2. Process of infection control (e.g., dispensing products, disposal of materials, use of single- or multi-use implements)
    • C. Apply blood exposure procedures
    • D. Identify adverse reactions to products or services
    • E. Recognize safe handling and storage of chemicals
    • F. Utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
    • G. Identify ways to prevent work injuries (e.g., ventilation, ergonomics)
  • II. Scientific Concepts - Anatomy and Physiology (15%) (15%)
    • A. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the: 1. nails
    • A. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the: 2. skin
    • B. Identify functions and structure (e.g., bones, muscles, and joints) of the: 1. arms and hands
    • B. Identify functions and structure (e.g., bones, muscles, and joints) of the: 2. legs and feet
    • C. Recognize signs, symptoms, and cause of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the: 1. nails
    • C. Recognize signs, symptoms, and cause of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the: 2. skin
  • III. Scientific Concepts - Chemistry of Nail Products (10%) (10%)
    • A. Explain purpose and effects of product ingredients
    • B. Recognize interaction between chemicals
    • C. Recognize physical changes
    • D. Recognize chemical reactions
    • E. Identify common ingredients that may cause harm
  • IV. Nail Technology Procedures- Pre-service process (5%) (5%)
    • A. Client consultation — 1. Identify elements of a client consultation and documentation
    • A. Client consultation — 2. Analyze condition of client’s nails and skin
    • A. Client consultation — 3. Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (contraindications)
    • A. Client consultation — 4. Determine services or products
    • B. Work area preparation — 1. Perform set-up of work station service area
    • B. Work area preparation — 2. Perform client and practitioner sanitation
  • V. Nail Technology Procedures - Nail Service Tools (13%) (13%)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 1. Nail equipment (e.g., electric file, pedicure basin)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 2. Nail implements (e.g., nail clippers, cuticle pusher)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 3. Nail supplies and materials (e.g., cotton, buffer)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 4. Nail products (e.g., polish, lotion)
    • B. Follow practices for safe use of tools, supplies, and equipment
  • VI. Nail Technology Procedures - Manicure and Pedicure Services (18%) (18%)
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 1. Trim and shape nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 2. Soak
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 3. Cuticle maintenance
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 4. Cleanse nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 5. Buff nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — a. Knowledge of safe application of massage manipulation
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — i. Effleurage
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — ii. Petrissage
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — iii. Friction
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — iv. Tapotement
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 7. Remove massage product
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 8. Polish nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 9. Completion of service
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 1. Paraffin
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 2. Exfoliate
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 3. Thermal (e.g., stone, towel)
  • VII. Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Application Maintenance and Removal Procedures for Nail Enhancement Services (20%) (20%)
    • A. Nail tip
    • B. Acrylics
    • C. Soft, hard, hybrid gels
    • D. Powder dip
  • VIII. Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Post-Service Procedures (4%) (4%)
    • A. After care and client education
    • B. Cleaning and disinfection
Examination sources